Summer is the perfect time for high school students to dive into the world of medicine and explore their passion for healthcare. Students can gain hands-on experience, learn from professionals, and get a head start on their medical careers. These top 10 summer programs and internships offer a unique chance for young aspiring healthcare professionals to discover the exciting field of medicine. For a personalized list of medicine summer programs and support with applications, check out the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program.
1. Northwestern University Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program
Type: Research Internship
Age: High school juniors (rising seniors) and undergraduate students aged 16+
Timeline: Early June to the end of July (8 weeks)
Location: Northwestern University campus, Evanston, IL
Cost: Free; competitive stipend provided. Interns must arrange housing and transportation.
The Kimberly Querrey Summer Research Program at Northwestern University offers high school and undergraduate students a chance to explore pulmonary and critical care medicine through hands-on research. Participants work on real-world projects alongside faculty mentors, developing valuable skills in a lab environment. Beyond research, the program includes workshops to strengthen college applications, career preparation activities, and social events that enrich the overall experience. The program concludes with a symposium where students present their research, highlighting their growth and accomplishments over the summer.
2. NSLC Medicine Intensive at Northwestern University
Type: Summer Program
Age: 14–18 (students must have completed at least one year of high school; recent graduates eligible)
Timeline: Multiple sessions – June 23 — July 10, 2024; July 17 — August 3, 2024
Location: Northwestern University campus, Evanston, IL
Cost: $6,795 (residential program); scholarships available
The National Student Leadership Conference (NSLC) Medicine Intensive at Northwestern University is a dynamic summer program designed for high school students eager to explore careers in the medical field. Through interactive lectures, hands-on workshops, and lifelike simulations, participants gain valuable exposure to the complexities of healthcare and patient care. Guided by experienced medical professionals, students build foundational knowledge, practice advanced diagnostic techniques, and tackle real-world medical challenges. Activities include creating treatment plans, learning suturing and surgical knot-tying, and mastering wilderness medicine skills. This program not only strengthens practical and clinical abilities but also sharpens problem-solving and critical thinking — key assets for students pursuing a future in the competitive world of medicine.
3. Rady Children’s Hospital Summer Medical Academy
Type: Pre-Med Summer Program
Age: 15–19
Timeline: One week in June and one week in July
Location: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California
Cost: $3,000 (includes program materials, SMA t-shirt and scrub pants, daily lunch, and parking); scholarships available for specific San Diego high school districts
The Rady Children’s Hospital Summer Medical Academy provides students with hands-on experience through courses, labs, and medical workshops. Designed for aspiring medical professionals, the program offers an immersive look into the healthcare field. The application deadline is typically in late February.
4. William and Mary Pre-College Online Programs
Type: Online Pre-College Program
Age: 13+
Timeline: Multiple program dates available year-round
Location: Virtual
Cost: $1,495
The University of William and Mary offers online courses to help high school students explore future careers and academic interests. The medicine-focused course examines diseases, diagnostics, and treatments, covering topics like antibiotic resistance and pathogens such as influenza and malaria. Participants work with a mentor, attend asynchronous lectures, and complete a final project by creating and presenting a patient case file. Graduates receive a certificate of completion. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
5. Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience Internship
Type: Research Internship
Age: High school juniors and seniors (16+)
Timeline: Six weeks (June–July)
Location: Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Palm Beach or Martin County area
Cost: Free; $12/hour stipend provided
The Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience offers a summer internship program for high school students with a passion for neuroscience, brain structure, function, and development. Open to juniors and seniors in the local area, the six-week program provides hands-on experience in cutting-edge research. Applications are due in March.
6. Harvard Medical School Project Success
Type: Paid Internship
Age: 16+
Timeline: 8 weeks (June–August)
Location: Harvard Medical School and affiliated organizations, Boston/Cambridge, Massachusetts
Cost: Free; paid stipend provided
This internship program at Harvard Medical School provides high school students with career counseling, workshops, and seminars in a prestigious academic setting. Designed for students residing in Boston or Cambridge, the program encourages applications from groups underrepresented in medicine. Eligibility requirements include a B- or higher GPA and completion of biology, algebra, and chemistry courses. Applications are due in January.
7. J. Craig Venter Institute (JCVI) Internship Program
Type: Research Internship
Age: 18+ (must be fully enrolled students in the U.S.)
Timeline: 10–15 weeks (June–August)
Location: Washington D.C. and San Diego, California
Cost: Free; hourly pay and/or school credit provided
The JCVI Internship Program offers students the chance to collaborate with world-class scientists on mentored projects, use cutting-edge equipment, and showcase their work through a final poster presentation. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific eligibility requirements, which may vary by program.
8. Scripps Research High School Student Summer Internship
Type: Research Internship
Age: 16+ (entering junior or senior year)
Timeline: 7 weeks (June–August)
Location: Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida
Cost: Free; $4,060 stipend provided
The Scripps Research Institute offers a 9-month internship for high school students in Palm Beach or Martin County, Florida, providing hands-on experience in biomedical research. The program encourages applications from students of ethnic and cultural groups historically underrepresented in the sciences. Eligible students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be 16 by the program’s start.
9. UT MD Anderson Cancer Center High School Summer Program
Type: Research Internship
Age: High school seniors
Timeline: 9–10 weeks (June–August)
Location: MD Anderson, Houston, Texas
Cost: Free; up to $6,000 stipend provided
This program offers Texas high school seniors the chance to explore cancer research in MD Anderson laboratories. Participants gain hands-on experience, attend faculty seminars, and prepare a final presentation. Applicants must be accepted into a college/university for the fall semester after the program and previous research experience is recommended but not required. The application deadline is in February.
10. University of Chicago Medicine ResearchStart Program
Type: Research Internship
Age: 16–19
Timeline: Summer
Location: Chicago, IL
Cost: Free; $3,000 stipend provided
ResearchStart offers high school students from Chicago and Urbana-Champaign the opportunity to explore cancer research careers. Participants work full-time in research labs, gaining hands-on experience in fields such as cancer immunology, bioengineering, and therapeutics. The program includes training, career workshops, a lecture series, and mentorship, concluding with a symposium to present research. The application deadline is in January.
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By Muhammad H, Editor of MehtA+ High School Thriving Guidem